This NAIDOC Week (2–9 July 2023), we celebrate the story of Resthaven Marion resident, Mrs Betty Mangnoson, who shares her upbringing as an Indigenous Australian, and her lifelong advocacy to her community. Mrs Mangnoson says, ‘I was the oldest of five siblings, and we grew up together with my English mother and Indigenous father, who … Continued
This year, Resthaven Leabrook Housekeeping Services Assistant, Maria Filpi, celebrates a milestone 40 years of service with Resthaven. Maria’s long and dedicated career certainly wasn’t forethought, starting off with a spontaneous decision and a friendly push in the right direction. She explains, ‘When my two boys were primary school age, I decided on a whim … Continued
On 2 July, Resthaven Aberfoyle Park resident, Mrs Audrey Niesche will celebrate her centenarian milestone, as she looks back on the past 100 years with pride. Born in Manchester, England, Mrs Niesche grew up with a World War I veteran father, and a nurturing stay-at-home mother. Mrs Niesche says, ‘I was an only child, but … Continued
This week, the ‘Men’s Group’ at Resthaven Westbourne Park was invited to Edwardstown Bunnings for a special project in the workshop. Lifestyle Coordinator, Rachael Ross, says, ‘We have a great relationship with our local Bunnings, who often provide support to us through their Bunnings Community Program.’ After learning about the site’s ‘Men’s Group’, the staff … Continued
Last Thursday was the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. It represents a turning point, when the days begin to get longer and the mornings start to get lighter. It has been a long winter for older Australians and their families, aged care workers and the dedicated providers who deliver … Continued
Fifteen years ago, Administrative Assistant Quality, Trudi Amendola, made the move from retail to aged care, in search of a career with more meaning. Trudi explains, ‘Since I left school, I had worked in administration and store management roles for a discount supermarket, and a footwear chain.’ ‘My interest to change paths and pursue aged … Continued
Ten years ago, Saadia Ali made a life altering decision to move from Pakistan to Australia, in search of a better life for her family. Now, Saadia is exactly where she wants to be. Saadia says, ‘In Pakistan, I acquired a double degree in media and political science, and English literature, and found employment as … Continued
On 1 July, Resthaven Craigmore resident, Mrs Ivy Roennfeldt, will celebrate her centenarian milestone with friends and family at the Southern Hotel in Gawler, with 100 years of memories to look back on. Born and raised on the family farm near Jindera, New South Wales, Mrs Roennfeldt had a busy start to life. Daughter, Eleanor, … Continued
Crunching numbers is much more meaningful when working in the not-for-profit aged care sector, according to Jeremy Ong, Manager Finance at Resthaven. With a career originally destined for small firm and tax accounting, a twist of fate 20 years ago led Jeremy to not-for-profit finance, and he hasn’t looked back! Jeremy explains, ‘After finishing high … Continued
On Friday 16 June 2023, a ‘turn the turf’ ceremony was held at Resthaven Westbourne Park at 30 Sussex Terrace, Westbourne Park, to officially mark the beginning of the $46.5m site redevelopment. Resthaven Manager Residential Services, Kamala Sharma, and Board President, Mark Porter The ‘first sod’ was turned by Resthaven Board President, Mark Porter, and … Continued
Mrs Helen Doley was no stranger to Resthaven Westbourne Park when she became a resident four months ago, after dedicating 26 years volunteering at the home, and a combined total of 79 years volunteering across various charities. Mrs Doley says, ‘When I was little, I became the milk monitor for my classroom. I had the … Continued
Puzzles are not the only reason Mrs Helene La Bonte enjoys her weekly visits from Home Support Worker, Alyson, and it’s easy to see why! Resthaven Marion Community Services Coordinator, Monika, explains, ‘Alyson has been visiting Mrs Bonte every week for the past six months for social support.’ ‘Born in Mauritius, Mrs Bonte’s first language … Continued
Peter Ellemor is a household name at Resthaven Mitcham, having devoted his time as a volunteer in this aged care home for more than a decade. Peter explains, ‘I worked for the Department for Education for 37 years—the last 22 years as Principal—and it was always in my heart to give something back to the … Continued
Resthaven Marion Community Services‘ social group for older men, Men on the Move, recently enjoyed an unexpected day out — certainly one for the history books! For History Month, Coordinator, Monika Lyckholm, planned a visit for the group to the Port Adelaide Football Club Museum, located at The Precinct, Alberton Oval. Monika explains, ‘As it … Continued
On 19 May, Resthaven Mitcham residents were treated to a trip to the Greek Islands—no passport required! Lifestyle Coordinator, Sylvia Ortiz, says, ‘We kicked off with karaoke in the Main Hall, followed by a culturally appropriate shot of ouzo, and cuisine prepared by the talented Kitchen team.’ ‘After our toast, residents eased into their armchairs … Continued
A year ago, Mrs Bahra Buric became a reluctant client of Resthaven Western Community Services. Now, her Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday visits to Regency Cottage are the highlight of her week. Home Support Worker, Rosemary Gorodecky (pictured above, with Mrs Buric), says, ‘Bahra came here from Bosnia, and didn’t speak a lick of English, which … Continued
Stage two of the $27m major redevelopment at Resthaven Bellevue Heights is well underway. The redevelopment aims to bring a new contemporary feel to the home and take full advantage of the sweeping views of Sturt Gorge, and the beautiful native-themed site grounds. Manager Residential Services, Leanne Spencer, says, ‘Stage one of the redevelopment wrapped up … Continued
The Limestone Coast Craft Social Group are at it again, this time decorating hessian shopping bags during their weekly ‘social group’ catch up at the Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services office at 11 George Street, Millicent. Coordinator, Christine Charles, says, ‘We held this activity at the suggestion of a client who had decorated a shopping … Continued
On 28 May, Mrs Joyce Thompson celebrates her 100th birthday in her home at Resthaven Malvern, as she reflects on a century of serving others. Mrs Thompson says, ‘I was born in Melbourne, where I lived with my sister and brother.’ ‘Both my sister and brother went on to join the forces themselves—my sister in … Continued
Last week, Volunteering Australia celebrated National Volunteer Week (15-21 May), with the theme ‘We are the change makers’, to highlight the powerful impact volunteers make. Volunteering can change the lives of both volunteers and those they support. This week offers an opportunity to recognise the crucial role of those volunteers who give their time and … Continued